Band: Wilco. How had I never heard of these guys before???!!! I was recently introduced to them by a friend. Loving them!
Flax oatmeal (porridge) with peanut butter. The peanut butter melts into the oatmal. Unbelievable.
Trader Joe's. Ok. I've known about Trader Joe's for a while. But recently I've been getting more adventurous there. Everything at Trader's is SO good! We tried some chocolate covered pomegranate seeds the other day (with icecream) and it was heaven in a bowl.
Curbing my sugar addiction (which is out of control!) For the last month I've been snacking on apples, crackers. Cutting out all processed foods. Nothing with High Fructose Corn Syrup. No fun sweet snacks or chips etc. Eating complex carbohydrates, fresh and whole foods. I'm feeling 10 x better. I haven't felt sluggish in weeks. I've managed to survive my husband getting really sick with colds/flues (twice in 2 months) and not get sick. Motivation: feeling good. It might sound boring to skip normal pasta and go for organic rice bran pasta. Or skip cheetos and eat an apple with a little peanut butter. But wow I feel good. You are what you eat.
Anything military inspired (clothing). I love a tough/edgy look, although what I end up wearing always borders on the cute side (argh). I think it has something to do with being 5'4".
Wellington boots aka gumboots aka rain boots. I bought some quite a while back. While it doesn't rain much in Southern California, I get all excited when it does. I know I can splash about in the rain and not be worried about my precious shoes. Gum boots are a lot of fun. One day I'll have to wear them a lot in Sydney where we get torrential downpours in winter and just before summer (think tropical weather).
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2 Things I hate (yes hate) about America
There are many many more things I love about America than dislike. So don't think I'm about to write a blog post about how much I hate America - because thats not the case. Its not a love/hate relationship I have with this country. Its mostly love, 90% dislike and 0.05% hate. The two things I am on the verge of hating in America are the DMV and USPS.
Government run businesses so dirty and cold here. Places are understaffed, which means the employees are mean and grumpy a lot of the time (and sometimes scary).
Wait time USPS: 1 hour. There is always a line out the door and only 2 clerks serving. If I want to pick up a package or post something, it usually takes up my entire lunch hour.
DMV: 4 hours, 20 minutes. I'm not kidding. Yesterday was my day off and I needed to get a temporary drivers license until my new Green Card arrives. I have letters from the Department of Immigration saying I'm now a resident for the next 10 years (yadda yadda yadda). I get to the front of the line at 10:30am yesterday and am told by the lady that the DMV will not accept my documentation, they need a Green Card. "But... I've been approved as a Resident, I have the paperwork. It can take 60 days to receive the card in the mail. These letters explain the card will be arriving." "No... thats not good enough. Next please". I didn't know what to do, so went outside and rang my husband. He told me to go back and speak with a Manager. I had to wait an hour to speak with a Manager. The Manager told me that my documentation is fine, and the lady was wrong. Ok. I went back into line to get another ticket. Wait time: 3 hours. 3pm my ticket gets called and it takes 2 minutes to get a temporary drivers license.
Murphy's Law: I get home and my Green Card arrived in the mail!
The good: I had time to read my 2010 yearbook so that gave me some peaceful thoughts :) In between waiting I walked to Starbucks for an hour. Came back to the DMV... still had another 2 hours to wait. So walked over to a Japanese restaurant for sushi & miso soup. I told my husband to log it in our expense account as "Visa Expenses".
So, that was my day off. The DMV is an interesting place. Not in a good way. I felt like I was in prison while sitting in there. I went outside, but there were lots of smokers and gross old men checking me out. Next stop... Starbucks.
I don't like to compare Australia to the US often. Sometimes I miss little things though, like Australia Post where its colourful, nicely carpeted, usually fully staffed and the staff are nice and friendly. Drivers License: I've never waited more than 45 minutes to get it renewed.
Government run businesses so dirty and cold here. Places are understaffed, which means the employees are mean and grumpy a lot of the time (and sometimes scary).
Wait time USPS: 1 hour. There is always a line out the door and only 2 clerks serving. If I want to pick up a package or post something, it usually takes up my entire lunch hour.
DMV: 4 hours, 20 minutes. I'm not kidding. Yesterday was my day off and I needed to get a temporary drivers license until my new Green Card arrives. I have letters from the Department of Immigration saying I'm now a resident for the next 10 years (yadda yadda yadda). I get to the front of the line at 10:30am yesterday and am told by the lady that the DMV will not accept my documentation, they need a Green Card. "But... I've been approved as a Resident, I have the paperwork. It can take 60 days to receive the card in the mail. These letters explain the card will be arriving." "No... thats not good enough. Next please". I didn't know what to do, so went outside and rang my husband. He told me to go back and speak with a Manager. I had to wait an hour to speak with a Manager. The Manager told me that my documentation is fine, and the lady was wrong. Ok. I went back into line to get another ticket. Wait time: 3 hours. 3pm my ticket gets called and it takes 2 minutes to get a temporary drivers license.
Murphy's Law: I get home and my Green Card arrived in the mail!
The good: I had time to read my 2010 yearbook so that gave me some peaceful thoughts :) In between waiting I walked to Starbucks for an hour. Came back to the DMV... still had another 2 hours to wait. So walked over to a Japanese restaurant for sushi & miso soup. I told my husband to log it in our expense account as "Visa Expenses".
So, that was my day off. The DMV is an interesting place. Not in a good way. I felt like I was in prison while sitting in there. I went outside, but there were lots of smokers and gross old men checking me out. Next stop... Starbucks.
I don't like to compare Australia to the US often. Sometimes I miss little things though, like Australia Post where its colourful, nicely carpeted, usually fully staffed and the staff are nice and friendly. Drivers License: I've never waited more than 45 minutes to get it renewed.
Monday, February 15, 2010
LA
Last night my husband and I got back from a weekend in Los Angeles. He went to a boardgame convention and I did **whatever**. It was just what I needed, a getaway, to help me appreciate where we live. It was nice having a change of pace and scenery. I took the day off on Friday to sleep in and take it easy in the morning. We left for LA at 2pm Friday... got to our hotel and chilled for a while. We had a nice big king size bed which was a treat. Sometimes we talk about getting a king size bed one day, but then we wouldn't get so excited about hotels. I suppose it sounds pretty juvenile getting excited to stay in a hotel and having a king size bed, but I like my space. I like to roll over and still have room either side of me. Its nice not to have everything sometimes, then you can still get excited about the supposed little things.
I was on a pretty tight budget in LA which I stuck to (just!). I spent a lot of it eating out. Friday night Daniel and I went to this beer/sausage restaurant in downtown LA. Its become our new favourite haunt. Between Belgian and German beers... gourmet sausages paired with hotdog-rolls and a choice of onions/bell pepper/sweet peppers and sauerkraut - it makes for a wonderful meal.
Saturday morning I took it easy and drove over to Santa Monica for a morning of fresh air, people watching and a nice stroll on 3rd Street Promenade. I had breakfast at Starbucks of all places. After the beer & sausage shenanigans the night before my stomach could only handle a small breakfast of oatmeal and a latte. I just love Santa Monica. That afternoon I joined my friends in North Hollywood. It took me an hour to battle traffic from Santa Monica to North Hollywood! Usually it would take 30 minutes max (according to the trusty GPS). We went to lunch with a friend in Studio City for the most amazing sandwiches. The name of the cafe is "Aroma Cafe". The cakes, muffins and pastries looked divine. I'm definitely taking Daniel there! That night we hung out with friends Larramy & Letty and went to a Tiki bar for drinks which was nice and relaxing.
Sunday was Rose Bowl. Unfortunately my heart just wasn't in it. It was hot and crowded and I wasn't really in the mood for shopping. I was more in the mood for going for a bikeride or visiting a museum. Oh well, you can't plan your general mood for the day huh:) Nevertheless it was fun to look at different things. After Rose Bowl we got somewhat lost and finally made our way to old Pasadena and had a late lunch at Barney's Beanery. By that time we were tired and good beer helped some.
So, that was the weekend! It was nice to hang out with friends and see some different spots. Today I'm back at work. Its beautiful here in Southern California today. Its warm and sunny with only the slightest hint of crispness in the air. I went for a long walk on the beach at lunch and am now nursing an iced coffee which serves the purpose of cooling me down after power walking. My power walking was much less impressive than it sounds, believe me.
I was on a pretty tight budget in LA which I stuck to (just!). I spent a lot of it eating out. Friday night Daniel and I went to this beer/sausage restaurant in downtown LA. Its become our new favourite haunt. Between Belgian and German beers... gourmet sausages paired with hotdog-rolls and a choice of onions/bell pepper/sweet peppers and sauerkraut - it makes for a wonderful meal.
Saturday morning I took it easy and drove over to Santa Monica for a morning of fresh air, people watching and a nice stroll on 3rd Street Promenade. I had breakfast at Starbucks of all places. After the beer & sausage shenanigans the night before my stomach could only handle a small breakfast of oatmeal and a latte. I just love Santa Monica. That afternoon I joined my friends in North Hollywood. It took me an hour to battle traffic from Santa Monica to North Hollywood! Usually it would take 30 minutes max (according to the trusty GPS). We went to lunch with a friend in Studio City for the most amazing sandwiches. The name of the cafe is "Aroma Cafe". The cakes, muffins and pastries looked divine. I'm definitely taking Daniel there! That night we hung out with friends Larramy & Letty and went to a Tiki bar for drinks which was nice and relaxing.
Sunday was Rose Bowl. Unfortunately my heart just wasn't in it. It was hot and crowded and I wasn't really in the mood for shopping. I was more in the mood for going for a bikeride or visiting a museum. Oh well, you can't plan your general mood for the day huh:) Nevertheless it was fun to look at different things. After Rose Bowl we got somewhat lost and finally made our way to old Pasadena and had a late lunch at Barney's Beanery. By that time we were tired and good beer helped some.
So, that was the weekend! It was nice to hang out with friends and see some different spots. Today I'm back at work. Its beautiful here in Southern California today. Its warm and sunny with only the slightest hint of crispness in the air. I went for a long walk on the beach at lunch and am now nursing an iced coffee which serves the purpose of cooling me down after power walking. My power walking was much less impressive than it sounds, believe me.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Conscience
The other day my friend J and I had a great conversation about what we put into our bodies and what we put on our bodies (face creams etc). J had just watched the movie Food Inc.
I'm eager to see the movie. I have been thinking a lot about our conversation. My grandparents (my Mum's parents) both died in their mid-60's of breast/bone cancer and a brain tumor. I miss them both, and I worry about the history of cancer in my family.
I'm not someone who will ever be fanatical about what I put in my body, or on my body. I simply do not have that sort of discipline. I wish I did. I admire people who can stick to a regime of organic foods only and exercising 3-5 times a week. I'm someone who puts in an effort every day to eat well and exercise regularly. But I also slip up. However, I figure all my efforts will add up over the years and are a lot better than never trying at all.
I rarely if at all eat meat or eggs. I drink milk though, so will look at buying organic milk. I have decided to make even more of an effort for my husband to buy free range meat/eggs. Organic groceries are more expensive of course, but if we can afford to spend money on other random things - we can afford good groceries, and cut back on the random things we don't really need. Its not just about me, its about my husband also - and living healthy long lives. My friend J brought up an excellent point about there not being the fructose corn syrup in everything when our parents were growing up. It angers me that its in everything here in the US. If we can be aware of what has HFCS in it, and cut some of it out of our diets that would be great.
We got talking about parabens. Parabens are in cosmetics, face creams etc to preserve their life. I got home and looked at some of my face creams. I use Yes to Carrots which is a vegan line, and I'm happy to say Paraben free! So, next step... I'm going to switch up my deodorant to something more earth friendly (body friendly).
Like I said, I'm not going to be all-about-organic. I like some processed foods. But all in all I like to cook fresh foods every day, and the efforts I make now will hopefully help over the years.
I'm eager to see the movie. I have been thinking a lot about our conversation. My grandparents (my Mum's parents) both died in their mid-60's of breast/bone cancer and a brain tumor. I miss them both, and I worry about the history of cancer in my family.
I'm not someone who will ever be fanatical about what I put in my body, or on my body. I simply do not have that sort of discipline. I wish I did. I admire people who can stick to a regime of organic foods only and exercising 3-5 times a week. I'm someone who puts in an effort every day to eat well and exercise regularly. But I also slip up. However, I figure all my efforts will add up over the years and are a lot better than never trying at all.
I rarely if at all eat meat or eggs. I drink milk though, so will look at buying organic milk. I have decided to make even more of an effort for my husband to buy free range meat/eggs. Organic groceries are more expensive of course, but if we can afford to spend money on other random things - we can afford good groceries, and cut back on the random things we don't really need. Its not just about me, its about my husband also - and living healthy long lives. My friend J brought up an excellent point about there not being the fructose corn syrup in everything when our parents were growing up. It angers me that its in everything here in the US. If we can be aware of what has HFCS in it, and cut some of it out of our diets that would be great.
We got talking about parabens. Parabens are in cosmetics, face creams etc to preserve their life. I got home and looked at some of my face creams. I use Yes to Carrots which is a vegan line, and I'm happy to say Paraben free! So, next step... I'm going to switch up my deodorant to something more earth friendly (body friendly).
Like I said, I'm not going to be all-about-organic. I like some processed foods. But all in all I like to cook fresh foods every day, and the efforts I make now will hopefully help over the years.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Home
I think since my sweet aussie friend Anna left I've been feeling homesick again. Argh! I though I had that little monster type feeling conquered once and for all. 3 years later and its still a little inward struggle. Still, I try to spin my thoughts around to more positive ones... eg. how awesome it is to get to live in and really experience another country for a solid amount of time! But as you well know, we all get our moments in life:) There are many things I feel grateful about, and I like to look at the bigger picture and think of all the freedoms (among other things) that I have in life. When I get those nasty little negative feelings (this sounds cheesy probably) but I like to give myself a slap in the face with a dose of **perspective**. I think about women in other countries (ie. the Middle East) where they don't have the same freedoms we do in western cultures. I think to myself how grateful I am to live in the US. I'm naturally such an independent woman, and can't imagine the daily inner struggle if I lived in a country which offered less freedom. I think about the job I have, which I love. I think about what I've learnt about myself here - and how going through something that feels a little tough can really build your character. Thoughts like that make me smile and feel happy for everything. When I get the homesick feeling I almost scoff at myself and think "come on Jones, is it really that bad?". I make myself get over it.
My 3rd year wedding anniversary is coming up in a couple of months, and husband and I were talking about what to do this year. We decided "no presents" this year, but that we'd each plan a day devoted to the other person. I'm quite excited about this, and think it will be lovely to give such a gift full of such thought. I've already planned some things mentally, but can't say just now, just in case my husband reads my humble little blog :)
Its been raining and stormy all week long. I love it. We went walking in the rain on the weekend. Some days at lunch I have been sitting and just watching the rain. Rain is such a novelty here. Its so refreshing having some.
My 3rd year wedding anniversary is coming up in a couple of months, and husband and I were talking about what to do this year. We decided "no presents" this year, but that we'd each plan a day devoted to the other person. I'm quite excited about this, and think it will be lovely to give such a gift full of such thought. I've already planned some things mentally, but can't say just now, just in case my husband reads my humble little blog :)
Its been raining and stormy all week long. I love it. We went walking in the rain on the weekend. Some days at lunch I have been sitting and just watching the rain. Rain is such a novelty here. Its so refreshing having some.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The time has come
I just had an eye exam. After more than a decade working on computers... I need... computer glasses. The optometrist said I have the eyes of a 40 year old. Oh crap.
He suggested I become a fire fighter, anything to get away from the computer, because my eyes will only get worse.
I chose some ray ban reading glasses that are interesting and I *think* suit me.
Suddenly I feel old. I'm turning the big 3-0 this year. (yes, I know that logically that is really quite young). But along with 3-0 comes glasses and I seem to have to work out more to stay the same darn weight.
End of pfffffft moment.
I'm going to go and fight some fires.
He suggested I become a fire fighter, anything to get away from the computer, because my eyes will only get worse.
I chose some ray ban reading glasses that are interesting and I *think* suit me.
Suddenly I feel old. I'm turning the big 3-0 this year. (yes, I know that logically that is really quite young). But along with 3-0 comes glasses and I seem to have to work out more to stay the same darn weight.
End of pfffffft moment.
I'm going to go and fight some fires.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
2010 and lack of resolutions
I’m at work and just treated myself (ok, that happens every day) to a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of coffee. Mmm.
The holidays were really nice. We went to Florida for a holiday… spent time with really good friends of ours. We stayed up most nights drinking beer and talking till gone 1-2pm. They just did their normal daily things, and included us. I ate soul food for the first time (it was fantastic!) up in West Palm Beach in Florida.
Then my husband and I spent a couple of days in South Beach Miami. That was ok. We stayed in the Art Deco district which was totally crazy. It’s the place for party-goers, if you love the nightlife. But we’re not. It wasn’t our scene, but at least we can say we saw South Beach. One of the days we were there we did a drive through the Keys. The water was beautiful. The Keys are relatively untouched and reminded me somewhat of Hawaii and Western Australian beaches. The other day we did a drive up through Alligator Alley in hope to see alligators! We didn’t, but it was a peaceful drive.
Now I’m back at work and happy to be in routine again. We have a super busy 6 months ahead of us. Between visits to New York and LA, my Mum and friends visiting. Weddings to attend. We’re going to Yosemite. All the in between time will be wonderfully “normal” also. I thrive on routine.
Taking one day off a week was the best things I ever did. I’m enjoying my work more, and have more time to read books, play music and even be able to contemplate craft projects. I just finished reading “The Book Thief” which was brilliant and devastating. I would have liked to seen the ending expanded somewhat. But all in all it was a 9.5 out of 10 for me! (big call I know). I just started reading “hickory dickory dock” by Agatha Christie. I like her stories, but the book is a little juvenile for my taste. Its something I could have read at 12 years old. Still I’m going to stick it out. The next book I want to read is one Daniel is currently reading “The Maltese Falcon”.
I started teaching myself guitar recently. I have some of the main chords down, but need to get the guitar tuned… I have to learn how to do that. A lot of it is having the time, with everything else to do…
I’m excited about 2010. I feel like I’m in a good place and am glad to say my homesickness has finally worn off. I love America, and I love living here. Its such a diverse country. You can travel a few hours and almost be in a totally different culture, yet are still in the same country. This last week 2 of my closest friends in California, Anna and Wendy, left our area… with their husbands and moved to New York and to the desert. I was very sad to see them go, and have a heavy heart now that my friend Anna is gone for a short while. We get each other. We’re both Aussies, and have developed a wonderful friendship in the last year and a half. We’ve gone though some difficult times together here, and we’ve laughed a lot. I think laughing our way through it, and paying each other out constantly kept us both sane. Our friendship is one of the things that makes me glad I came to the States. I have this feeling we’ll be close friends for a very long time. Building a strong friendship with someone doesn’t happen easily. Often it takes going through something. As lovely as Southern California is, for us, understanding and feeling comfortable in this culture took time. I feel like Anna helped me with that. She helped me get over the difficult period of homesickness. The Wednesday in the year. I’ll miss our jokes that’s for sure. But for the most part, my happiness for Anna overrides the feelings I have. Getting to experience a new city, then heading home. What a fantastic way to end this American experience!
I don’t really believe in New Years Resolutions, because I rarely stick to them. They are always to “lose weight”, “learn a language”, “do better with this and that”. There are things I’m constantly trying to work on personally. I’m on a tight budget this year, which is somewhat daunting yet exciting. I’m looking forward to finding cheap ways of doing everything! I literally don’t have money even for a $20 dress or a $5 vintage purse. If I find something… I have to absolutely love it to pieces. And it has to be ridiculously inexpensive. My “fun” budget for the year for clothing is… wait for it… $100. Crazy you say? Well. I have enough clothes to last me the next 2 decades. I feel overwhelmed when I look into my closet. So I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m also not letting myself buy “products” eg makeup etc until I’ve totally run out of something. I gave my husband all my cards to hold onto, so if I’m feeling like some “retail therapy” or am in love with something… there’s no way I can get it.
That’s all folks. From the terrible blogger… :)
The holidays were really nice. We went to Florida for a holiday… spent time with really good friends of ours. We stayed up most nights drinking beer and talking till gone 1-2pm. They just did their normal daily things, and included us. I ate soul food for the first time (it was fantastic!) up in West Palm Beach in Florida.
Then my husband and I spent a couple of days in South Beach Miami. That was ok. We stayed in the Art Deco district which was totally crazy. It’s the place for party-goers, if you love the nightlife. But we’re not. It wasn’t our scene, but at least we can say we saw South Beach. One of the days we were there we did a drive through the Keys. The water was beautiful. The Keys are relatively untouched and reminded me somewhat of Hawaii and Western Australian beaches. The other day we did a drive up through Alligator Alley in hope to see alligators! We didn’t, but it was a peaceful drive.
Now I’m back at work and happy to be in routine again. We have a super busy 6 months ahead of us. Between visits to New York and LA, my Mum and friends visiting. Weddings to attend. We’re going to Yosemite. All the in between time will be wonderfully “normal” also. I thrive on routine.
Taking one day off a week was the best things I ever did. I’m enjoying my work more, and have more time to read books, play music and even be able to contemplate craft projects. I just finished reading “The Book Thief” which was brilliant and devastating. I would have liked to seen the ending expanded somewhat. But all in all it was a 9.5 out of 10 for me! (big call I know). I just started reading “hickory dickory dock” by Agatha Christie. I like her stories, but the book is a little juvenile for my taste. Its something I could have read at 12 years old. Still I’m going to stick it out. The next book I want to read is one Daniel is currently reading “The Maltese Falcon”.
I started teaching myself guitar recently. I have some of the main chords down, but need to get the guitar tuned… I have to learn how to do that. A lot of it is having the time, with everything else to do…
I’m excited about 2010. I feel like I’m in a good place and am glad to say my homesickness has finally worn off. I love America, and I love living here. Its such a diverse country. You can travel a few hours and almost be in a totally different culture, yet are still in the same country. This last week 2 of my closest friends in California, Anna and Wendy, left our area… with their husbands and moved to New York and to the desert. I was very sad to see them go, and have a heavy heart now that my friend Anna is gone for a short while. We get each other. We’re both Aussies, and have developed a wonderful friendship in the last year and a half. We’ve gone though some difficult times together here, and we’ve laughed a lot. I think laughing our way through it, and paying each other out constantly kept us both sane. Our friendship is one of the things that makes me glad I came to the States. I have this feeling we’ll be close friends for a very long time. Building a strong friendship with someone doesn’t happen easily. Often it takes going through something. As lovely as Southern California is, for us, understanding and feeling comfortable in this culture took time. I feel like Anna helped me with that. She helped me get over the difficult period of homesickness. The Wednesday in the year. I’ll miss our jokes that’s for sure. But for the most part, my happiness for Anna overrides the feelings I have. Getting to experience a new city, then heading home. What a fantastic way to end this American experience!
I don’t really believe in New Years Resolutions, because I rarely stick to them. They are always to “lose weight”, “learn a language”, “do better with this and that”. There are things I’m constantly trying to work on personally. I’m on a tight budget this year, which is somewhat daunting yet exciting. I’m looking forward to finding cheap ways of doing everything! I literally don’t have money even for a $20 dress or a $5 vintage purse. If I find something… I have to absolutely love it to pieces. And it has to be ridiculously inexpensive. My “fun” budget for the year for clothing is… wait for it… $100. Crazy you say? Well. I have enough clothes to last me the next 2 decades. I feel overwhelmed when I look into my closet. So I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m also not letting myself buy “products” eg makeup etc until I’ve totally run out of something. I gave my husband all my cards to hold onto, so if I’m feeling like some “retail therapy” or am in love with something… there’s no way I can get it.
That’s all folks. From the terrible blogger… :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)